Pro Basketball Player Brandon Clarke Passes Away at Age 29

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Memphis Grizzlies forward, Brandon Clarke, 29, has died, the NBA team said in a statement on Tuesday.

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“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke,” the Grizzlies said in a statement that did not elaborate on Clarke’s cause of death.

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“Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten.”

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His management company, Priority Sports, said in a statement they were “beyond devastated” by Clarke’s death.

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“He was the gentlest soul, who was the first to be there for all of his friends and family,” the agency said.

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“We are devastated to learn of the passing of Brandon Clarke,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement.

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“As one of the longest-tenured members of the Grizzlies, Brandon was a beloved teammate and leader who played the game with enormous passion and grit.

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“Our thoughts and sympathies are with Brandon’s family, friends and the Grizzlies organization,” he added

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Clarke was the 21st overall selection in the 2019 NBA draft and earned all-rookie honors in his opening season.

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He inked a four-year, $50 million contract extension with the Grizzlies in 2022.

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But he’d battled injuries in recent seasons. He played just six games in the 2023-24 season and after playing 64 games in 2024-25 Clarke played just two games this season because of calf and knee trouble.

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His death comes six weeks after he was arrested in Arkansas on charges that included possession of a controlled substance and fleeing in a vehicle while speeding.

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AFP

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